- By: Irfan Khan
Unfortunately, due to bad political, economic and civic governance since last many years, our administrative system is at the moribund, lacking vitality and vigour. And, consequently, all and sundry are grappling with considerable challenges, including soaring inflation, surge in terrorism, increasing unemployment, rampant corruption and ingrained poverty.
No doubt, without brisk and prompt administrative framework, there manifests least likelihood that any country would march forward socially, politically and economically. But due to dearth of this essential requirement, inspite of above mentioned crises, next are we losing cordial relations with our neighbouring countries , and extreme despondency and anger among citizens is disappointing absolutely. This article endeavoures to elaborate the current obstacles in the hindered progress of our country, and to demonstrate who are are above of the board responsible for the existing predicament and it’s mitigation.
First, Pakistan never faced such full-blooded democracy and full blatant transgression of democratic values. Of course, our corrupt and hollow-minded politicians have tarnished the image of Pakistan on the globe on the account of their to and fro politics, based on particularly vested interests. Only in provoking messes, and repeatedly hurling illusory statements and optical illusions, they are highly at home in—- as their capricious policies have testified their true image. It is disappointing that they have been failing in steering country out of persisting quagmire and similarly in accomplishing their commitments to people. How the prosperity of a country is possible, if they do not strongly condemn illicit practices in national elections and honour public mandate? How country’s happiness can materialize in true sense, if they do not reckon that playing with people’s votes triggers out deleterious results? Why is there no peaceful transfer of power in the country?
Second, political fear and favouritism in our higher-judiciary is steadily mounting because higher judiciary has been politicized unluckily. There are rampant crimes and consequently is there social unrest. While leading courts, the top figures, except few who are subordinate to their conscience, do not understand that ‘ a nation which denies justice is destined to be doomed ‘. Lack of judicial cooperation and compatibility has led to the deterioration of dissent and cultivation of controversies over numerous affairs. In fact, judiciary, if equipped with strong conscience and potent unity, can surely bring the country out of predicament. Our judges undoubtedly need to alive their ‘ conscience ‘ as it is the basis of justice.
Thirdly, our bureaucracy has been highly politicized. Our police and bureaucracy have become a tool in hand of politicians. Undeniably, masses do not even completely enjoy the scarce resources allocated by the government. The stealing and selling of low-rank jobs is a bare indication that for poor and middle classes top superior and provincial exams have just left in order to secure their employment. This is the state of three pillars of our country.
Moreover, the violation of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and speech, right to protect against government policies, free-media rights etc , is further complexing masses’ life. For many years is suffering our education and health sectors. This all trauma and extremity is due to dearth of true leadership, equipped with broad vision.
To of all, we are facing mismanagement in every field of life. Our foreign debt is $130 billion, while our foreign exports are only 27.8 US billion dollars, placing our rank at 154th on HDI( Human Development Index).
For instance, Singapore got independence in 1965 but fortunately its rank is at 11th on HDI. In 2023, approximately goods with the value of 476.25 billion dollars were exported from Singapore. Its total are is 734.3 square kilometers, and smaller than Lahore District. Whose total area is 1772 square kilometers. It is all due to their good management and well thought leadership, and indeed, Singapore is an Asian Tiger in economic terms. Why can we not learn a lesson from the experience of Singapore?
After the demise of our founding leader and other devoted leaders ( part of Pakistan movement), Pakistan badly stuck in political and economic woes due to lack of vigilant and valiant leadership. Along with this, in true sense, Islamic guiding principles have not been adopted.
Furthermore, apart from its direct influence, establishment has been keeping an indirect influence in politics as it is openly said in Pakistan. And that is of course due to political instability. Politicians, despite of rivals, have become enemies and use power against one another, widely causing increase in hatred and immense decrease in political unity.
Personally, I feel that in order to make our country peaceful and prosperous, first, it is indispensable to elevate self-accountability, broadly evaluating one’s actions and attitudes with quests ‘ Do we maintain law and order’ and ‘ what can we contribute to Pakistan’s prosperity. Undoubtedly, we often neglect, due to our own recklessness, the violation of rules and regulations, such as the dismantling of traffic regulations is common. Additionally, what is quite essential is to equip ourselves and youth with Islamic values by means of including morally guiding books in the syllabi of our schools, colleges and universities.
As our country has been stuck in political and economic warps particularly due to the ignorance of many politicians. Therefore, the latter desperately need to; spend more time on reading as on watching television, allay giving optical illusions , try to speak by what you really mean, avoid speaking in pressure and cheap words, and yes, remain consistent in consistently accomplishing the drives and schemes you launch. Of course, our politicians need to understand that if they wish to be honourable and reputable in the eyes of masses, then they must perennially strive to uphold democracy and constitution. Meeting with economic and political challenges would surely become easy.